Over the course of two weeks in August, three lay missionaries and a Vincentian priest from Slovakia visited us at the Soloy mission in Panama. We established this new MISEVI Slovakia mission in December 2021 in collaboration with the Congregation of the Mission, which has served in this area for over thirty years. The mission serves the indigenous Ngäbe people, one of seven indigenous peoples in Panama who maintain their traditional costumes and language. In the course of this past year, we have managed to establish school programs, a Bible course, visiting the sick and child catechetics in the villages we serve. We also participate in the other programs of the Soloy Mission, such as youth gatherings, lay formation and feast day celebrations. In spite of the difficulties and challenges we have experienced, the blessing of knowing a different culture and language invites us to a continuous conversion, as well as and new and creative ways of announcing the Good News.

We were delighted to receive the visit of our MISEVI Slovakia companions, Fr. Alojz Šeliga, Andrea Mózesová, Zuzana Kovaľová, and Marek Ľubiščák, who had the opportunity to see and experience our ministry and life in Soloy. They spent the first days of the experience in the rhythm of our pastoral zone in the community of Plan de Chorcha, participating in our regular activities such as bible formation and children´s catechetics. In addition, they participated in a laity formation gathering and spend several days on horseback in the mountain communities, where they celebrated the Eucharistic and organized activities with the children and people in the villages.

Finishing the experience, Andy said, “What struck me most was the surrender of the people to the hands of God, their faith, simplicity and hope that they had even though they lived in poor conditions.” Zuzana shared, “I was happy about the presence of so many children and young people at the mass because in Slovakia you don’t see that much. I liked the Bible course very much, seeing the people reflect on the Word of God.” Father Alojz said, “I discovered that religious singing plays an important role as it allows people to join the community which is created through singing.”

We were grateful for the visit of our follow missionaries from Slovakia and opportunity to share the joys of the mission with them.

Please keep us, the Ngäbe people and the Soloy mission in your prayers,

God Bless,

Jana Buffová and Inka Königová (MISEVI Slovakia)